botulism
Botulism (noun) means a severe, often life-threatening form of food poisoning caused by a toxin from bacteria that grow in improperly canned or preserved food. Example: “The family got botulism after eating home-canned green beans that hadn't been processed properly.”
How to use botulism
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA dangerous illness caused by toxic bacteria in badly preserved food, especially home-canned goods.
Don't confuse with generic "food poisoning" — botulism is a specific, much more serious condition caused by a particular toxin.
Word forms
botulisms plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The family got _____ after eating home-canned green beans that hadn't been processed properly.
Etymology
From German Botulismus, built on Latin botulus, "sausage" — early cases were traced to spoiled sausages — plus the medical suffix "-ism."
Frequently asked questions
What does “botulism” mean?
The word “botulism” means a severe, often life-threatening form of food poisoning caused by a toxin from bacteria that grow in improperly canned or preserved food. In plain terms, a dangerous illness caused by toxic bacteria in badly preserved food, especially home-canned goods.
How do you pronounce “botulism”?
“Botulism” is pronounced BOT-yuul-ihz-uhm (/ˈbɑ.t͡ʃəˌlɪz.əm/ in IPA).
How do you use “botulism” in a sentence?
Here is “botulism” used in a sentence: “The family got botulism after eating home-canned green beans that hadn't been processed properly.”
What part of speech is “botulism”?
“Botulism” is a noun.
Where does the word “botulism” come from?
The word “botulism” comes from Latin. From German Botulismus, built on Latin botulus, "sausage" — early cases were traced to spoiled sausages — plus the medical suffix "-ism.".